[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 200TH-PLUS ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEATACK COMMUNITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Rigell) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, this morning I consider it a joy and really 
a special privilege to rise today to honor the 200th-plus anniversary 
of the Seatack community, the oldest African American community in the 
United States.
  The community, named for the sea attack of the coast by the British 
Navy, is a stalwart in Hampton Roads, steadfastly protecting civil 
rights and promoting the African American community. Throughout its 
proud history, the Seatack community has stood for doing what is right 
in the face of adversity.
  Going back to the early 1800s, Seatack fishermen braved the rough 
waters of the Atlantic to save the passengers of a ship that had 
wrecked off the coast. The men of Seatack have fought in every major 
American war, including serving as air raid wardens in World War II to 
protect the citizens of Virginia Beach from potential airstrikes.
  And when the Seatack community needed a fire department, the Seatack 
veterans from World War II came together to build the first fire 
department owned and operated by African Americans.
  Even in its early days, Mr. Speaker, Seatack has shown a commitment 
to educating its youth. In 1908, Seatack parents formed their first 
school at Mount Olive Baptist Church, and a few years later formed the 
Seatack Public School League. Later, the community provided the land 
for the Seatack Elementary School. And today, Seatack continues its 
commitment to education by providing funding for college students.
  Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to represent this amazing community 
within my district. Their continuous hard work to promote education, 
civil rights, and a safe Hampton Roads community is nothing short of 
admirable.

                              {time}  1020

  In October 2011 and October 2012, the community celebrated 200-plus 
years of being a vibrant, active, engaged, and historical community. 
Thanks to the contributions of the community historian, whom I have 
gotten to know and greatly respect, Sadie Shaw, a preeminent holder of 
all the history of the wonderful community, because of her and so many 
others, the legacy of the historical community of Seatack will continue 
to be perpetuated for generations to come.
  I congratulate them as the legacy continues. We ask that God continue 
to bless that wonderful community and this wonderful country that we're 
privileged to live in.

                          ____________________